"Diverse teachers and students under one roof in a classroom is what makes it a safe place for learning, growing and developing."

Hometown

Honolulu, O'ahu

Department

Special Education

Related Degrees

• BEd in Special Education

Why did you choose to become a teacher, in general?

I have been an Educational Assistant for more than ten years now. I was always the support staff helping students and the teachers with whatever they needed throughout the school day. I was what I like to consider the “behind the scenes help.” I decided to become a teacher to be in a role that I know I can continue to help students and other staff members but to make more of a difference. I want to make more of an impact on our students’ lives, their families and our community. Being a teacher would give me the platform I have been looking for to utilize my years of experience and to take a step forward in my career. Being a teacher means I can be there for my families in making their child’s day that much better.

Why did you choose to become licensed in special education?

I could always remember since I was in middle school that I was always helping the teachers and students in the special education classrooms. From the students to all the adults in the room, I was comfortable and just wanted to help wherever I could. After graduating from college, I decided that I would work as an Educational Assistant with the Honolulu District and have been working in special education ever since. Once hired, that feeling of familiarity in the classroom made me feel comfortable and working as an Educational Assistant became natural for me. The staff were all very helpful and the students were so much fun to work with. Many years later, I cannot see myself outside of a special education classroom. I have worked with students from such diverse backgrounds, in FSC classrooms and resource classrooms that really bring joy into my day on the clock. This connection to special education was solidified when my ten year old daughter asked me to sign a form allowing her to volunteer in her school’s special education classroom this past summer. It made me have one of those moments where I know I am where I am supposed to be if I have had that much of an impact on my daughters decision to be interested in volunteering at her school.

Why do you feel it is important to have diversity in the classroom?

Diversity is very important in the classroom. I firmly believe that everyone brings something different to the table. I am learning that we all have different experiences, stories and knowledge and that together, so much more can be discovered. I believe that we have so much to learn academically in school but from each other as well. Each student brings in their own set of strengths and contributions to the classroom that together which is what makes everyday in school different. This diversity in a classroom is what makes everyone in it feel at home. Diverse teachers and students under one roof in a classroom is what makes it a safe place for learning, growing and developing.